Present progressive for future events?

[SilkyMike]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #106 "Beginner Grammar Questions Test (1)", question 4

Has anyone seen Laura? ......... to work today?

(a) Is she coming
(b) Does she come
(c) She come

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #106 "Beginner Grammar Questions Test (1)", answer 4

Has anyone seen Laura? Is she coming to work today?

Correct answer: (a) Is she coming
_________________________

why the answer is "a"

SilkyMike

[Mister Micawber]

.
The speaker has not seen Laura, and he is inquiring about her or her employer's plan for today. This is one use of the present perfect: a decided plan for the (usually near) future.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Watie]

[Mister Micawber]

Not a normal expression, but it's possible, I suppose.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[PeNa]

Hi!
I don't understand why we use Present Continues in this sentence. Please, tell me more about it.

Thank you.

[Mister Micawber]

'Is she coming to work today?'

Present continuous is also a future form, a form representing a plan for the near future. Here it is in statements:

I'm having dinner with my girlfriend tomorrow night.
They're not taking any lessons this weekend.

Using the present continuous supposes a definite arrangement made in the past for an event or action in the near future. That is why a sentence like this cannot use the present continuous: (X) 'It is raining tomorrow at 3 pm'.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[PeNa]

Oh, I got it.

Thank you very much.